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Toxic bacteria reported in Hyde Park’s Sprague Pond
Residents are advised to avoid the pond's water due to a cyanobacteria algae bloom.
The Boston Public Health Commission reported a cyanobacteria algae bloom in Hyde Park’s Sprague Pond on Tuesday.
Residents and pond visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water and the shoreline affected by the blue-green algae.
If contact is made with the impacted waters, the person or pet should wash off the water and bacteria as soon as possible.
Contact with the bacteria can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues if inhaled, gastrointestinal problems if ingested, issues with organ function, and in rare cases, death, according to BPHC.
Pets and children are more susceptible to more serious symptoms.
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If a pet shows physical symptoms following exposure, contact a veterinarian immediately.
The Department of Health will continue to monitor the pond, and it will reopen after two samples, collected a week apart, contain less than 70,000 cyanobacteria cells per milliliter, according to BPHC.
Health Advisory: Cyanobacteria algae has been found in Sprague Pond in Hyde Park. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. People and pets should avoid contact with Sprague Pond.
— Boston Public Health Commission (@HealthyBoston) August 19, 2025
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